The Para55 Commonwealth HIV and AIDS Action Group

Origins
The Para55 Commonwealth HIV and AIDS Action Group was established to promote and monitor the implementation of the paragraph 55 in the communiqué issued following the meeting of Commonwealth Heads of Government held in Durban, South Africa in November 1999 which is devoted to reducing the impact of the global pandemic of HIV and AIDS.

Paragraph 55 states that:
“Commonwealth Heads of Government expressed grave concern over the devastating social and economic impact of HIV/AIDS, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. They agreed that this constituted a Global Emergency, and pledged personally to lead the fight against HIV/AIDS within their countries and internationally. They urged all sectors in government, international agencies and the private sector to co-operate in increased efforts to tackle the problem, with greater priority given to research into new methods of prevention, the development of an effective vaccine and effective ways of making affordable drugs for the treatment of HIV/AIDS accessible to the affected population.

The Para55 Commonwealth HIV and AIDS Action Group is a unique multidisciplinary group – Members and their organisations network throughout the Commonwealth. The group exercises every opportunity to inform and influence Commonwealth Heads of Governments and Ministers to focus more resources on the HIV/AIDS pandemic. The Para55 Commonwealth HIV and AIDS Action Group takes the lead in producing advisory booklets on Good Practice to reduce the incidence of AIDS which are distributed both in hard copy and electronically.

Communication
The Para55 Commonwealth HIV and AIDS Action Group communicate using the web site and electronic mail with its members on all matters relating to HIV/AIDS a two way street.

Meetings
Group meetings are held to address current issues. Our reports are published on our website. It is also our intention to link with other organisations to create meeting partnerships.

Advocacy
Our aim is to be represented at the Ministers of Health pre World Health Assemble meeting and Heads of Government meetings to lobby and communicate our message to the ministers and other attendees.

Expansion
Our policy is to Recruit more members and create more partnerships.